3 Elements Lifestylehttp://3elementslifestyle.com
Mon, 11 Dec 2017 06:00:40 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.8Tips for Military Veterans Who Want to Be Their Own Bosshttp://3elementslifestyle.com/military-veteran-entrepreneurship/
http://3elementslifestyle.com/military-veteran-entrepreneurship/#respondMon, 11 Dec 2017 06:00:40 +0000http://3elementslifestyle.com/?p=4892If you are a military veteran thinking about starting a business, you are not alone. Thousands of military personnel return to civilian life every year, and many, rather than taking a corporate job, are opting to start a small business. While it is challenging, veterans have the discipline, focus, and determination to build a successful start-up. Therefore, […]

]]>If you are a military veteran thinking about starting a business, you are not alone. Thousands of military personnel return to civilian life every year, and many, rather than taking a corporate job, are opting to start a small business. While it is challenging, veterans have the discipline, focus, and determination to build a successful start-up. Therefore, today’s article provides some useful tips for those looking to become an entrepreneur.

Reasons Veterans Make Great Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is a solid way for ex-soldiers and sailors to return to the workforce. More than most, they share many skills and characteristics with successful entrepreneurs, such as self-determination, time-management, motivation, and commitment. A college student can learn these concepts in the classroom as theories, but a soldier acquires these skills through real-world conditions. Of all these talents, three stand out above all others.

1. Risk Management

Of course, entrepreneurs do not face the harsh risks associated with military service. Yet, owning a business does include a significant amount of personal and financial risk. The typical person is risk averse, opting for the presumed safety of working for someone else. On the other hand, people in the military are trained to capitalize on opportunities.

2. Performing Under Stress

When it is time to get the job done, soldiers are trained to work under pressure and effectively deal with stress. This gives them an advantage over their counterparts who have not had the training or real-world experiences to effectively deal with being shorthanded or underfunded.

3. Resource Management

Military training focuses on exercising conscious control over recourses. Moreover, there is a continual focus on increasing effectiveness, efficiency and productivity. Having these skills brings with it the greatest possibility for success. Start-ups need to continually manage resources and set priorities.

Tips for Veterans Starting a Business

If you are a military veteran considering starting a business, you have many things in your favor. Even though it can be a bit tricky, you should not fear the challenge. Below are some helpful tips to get you started.

1. Consider Opening a Fitness Franchise

Many military skills translate into the civilian world. Regardless of your job in the service, every military person knows fitness. This makes a fitness franchise a good fit for virtually every veteran. Moreover, your ability to be organized, goal oriented, and ready to take on smart risks will allow you to quickly plunge into business ownership.

2. Complete Your Market Research

Having the desire and dedication is a good start, but you will need to research the industry and your local market. The health and fitness club industry generates over $27 Billion annually. Yet, this is occurring while obesity has become a national health crisis. Still, you will need to discover how you fill a needed space in your market.

3. Seek Expert Advice

The U.S. Small Business Association offers a training program called Boots to Business, specifically designed to help veterans understand how to start a new business. It is a roughly 8-week course that will supply you the information and tools to identify business opportunities, create a business plan, and launch a start-up.

4. Take Advantage of Veteran Financing

Special financing is available to military veterans with loans backed by the government. This can make getting a small business loan a little smoother. Even if you don’t have great credit, being a veteran may make the process easier. You may want to start by reaching out to the Office of Veterans Business Development.

Do you have questions? What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you are a military veteran who wants to be their own boss or would like to talk about a related topic, please contact us.

David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030

]]>http://3elementslifestyle.com/military-veteran-entrepreneurship/feed/07 Powerful Superfoods to Add to Your Diethttp://3elementslifestyle.com/superfoods-diet/
http://3elementslifestyle.com/superfoods-diet/#respondMon, 04 Dec 2017 07:59:01 +0000http://3elementslifestyle.com/?p=4758Everyone knows that eating a healthier diet can help with everything from weight loss to aging. But adopting healthier eating habits can also feel restrictive and overwhelming. An easy but effective approach is to avoid too much focus on what you shouldn’t eat and instead focus on adding delicious superfoods you should eat. Simply look for these seven superfoods the next […]

]]>Everyone knows that eating a healthier diet can help with everything from weight loss to aging. But adopting healthier eating habits can also feel restrictive and overwhelming. An easy but effective approach is to avoid too much focus on what you shouldn’t eat and instead focus on adding delicious superfoods you should eat. Simply look for these seven superfoods the next time you hit up the grocery store, and challenge yourself to find fun ways to incorporate them into your meals and snacks for the week:

Goji Berries

Goji berries are known for their bright red-orange color and tart flavor. Like other fruits, they are loaded in vitamins and antioxidants, but they are unique in their high concentration of protein and their natural anti-inflammatory properties. Goji berries add a burst of flavor and powerful nutrition when mixed into yogurt, sprinkled on top of a salad, or blended into your morning smoothie.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseed is full of omega-3s and fiber, making it a superfood ally to your heart and digestive system. Sprinkle ground flaxseed on your oatmeal, yogurt, or blend it into a smoothie to start your day off with a heart-friendly health boost.

Walnuts

Walnuts are the nutrition superstars of trail mix. These hearty nuts contain high levels of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They also contain a significant percentage of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a powerful antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory. If you’ve been experiencing joint pain or other signs of inflammation, embracing walnuts as part of your diet may help.

Salmon

Salmon, especially the more expensive wild-caught kind, is naturally rich in healthy fats and omega-3s. These promote heart health, make your hair shiny, and can even boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Try to eat salmon at least a couple of times a week, whether it’s baked salmon with quinoa and veggies for dinner, or smoked salmon on a whole wheat bagel thin with cream cheese, capers, and tomatoes for a decadent yet nutritious breakfast.

Quinoa

Similar to couscous or barley, but even more nutritious, quinoa is a versatile superfood. Quinoa is unusual because it contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs to function at its full potential, making it a complete protein. Its mild, nutty flavor can be seasoned in a variety of ways, can be added to soups and stews, and makes a complete healthy dinner if served with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken or fish.

Kale

Even more packed with nutrients than its (also quite good for you) relative spinach, kale is a dark leafy green that can help give you healthy, glowing skin, improve your digestion, and even lower your risk of heart disease. Some people find raw kale to be a little bitter, but the flavor becomes more mellow and appealing if sauteed lightly in a small amount of olive oil with fresh lemon and garlic. Baby kale has a more gentle flavor while still being loaded with nutrients, making it a great salad option.

Acai

This small purple berry fits a lot of nutrition into a tiny package. Acai is full of antioxidants called anthocyanins which protect the body from heart disease and some forms of cancer. If you can’t find fresh acai where you live, look for frozen acai that doesn’t have any sugar added and use it as a base for nutritious smoothies.

Hopefully, these seven superfoods inspire you to add a little color, flavor, and nutrition to your meals. Incorporating more superfoods into your diet is a fun and easy way to gain greater health and vitality. By adding these tasty, nutrient-dense superfoods to your repertoire, you will start reaping health benefits right away. If you would like more ideas and guidance for embracing a healthy lifestyle, contact us today.

David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030

]]>http://3elementslifestyle.com/superfoods-diet/feed/0Gym Start-up: Seven Marketing Tips for Gymshttp://3elementslifestyle.com/gym-marketing-tips/
http://3elementslifestyle.com/gym-marketing-tips/#respondMon, 27 Nov 2017 01:19:36 +0000http://3elementslifestyle.com/?p=4875Though it would be nice to be able to open a gym and have people come pouring in, that is not how it works! Unfortunately, you need to have a marketing plan in order to continue to bring in new customers (as well as keep your current ones informed). Here are some top marketing tips […]

]]>Though it would be nice to be able to open a gym and have people come pouring in, that is not how it works! Unfortunately, you need to have a marketing plan in order to continue to bring in new customers (as well as keep your current ones informed).

Here are some top marketing tips for gyms.

Allow potential customers to visit and try out your gym.

People who visit a gym, work out a little, and use the facilities are more likely to join. However, one visit is not usually enough. Go above and beyond most gyms and let customers visit several times to decide if it is a right fit for them! Even better, offer a free month for signing up!

Make sure that you collect the names, emails, address, and phone number of those who want to try your gym.

Use this to start an email list. Email lists are important for marketing because they keep your gym in front of your customers’ minds. It can also let them know about any sales and specials that you may have. For those who were not interested in signing up right away, a sale might just be a way to get them in your doors.

Ask for referrals (and reward your customers).

Word of mouth advertising is very powerful. People who know that you have satisfied customers are much more likely to try and sign up for your gym. Reward your customers for each referral. You can offer a free personal training session, free week, free month, or even a gift card to show your appreciation, as well as make them more likely to refer others!

Get a professionally developed website.

More and more people are online, especially with the invention of cell phones. For this reason, you need to have a website that catches their attention. There are studies that show your website has just a few seconds before they either look further or they click to find another one. Because of this, you need to get your website done professionally. Not only will they be able to design the perfect website that does what you want it to, they will be able to do it much faster than you can.

Connect to customers (and potential ones) on social media.

Just like a good website is necessary, social media marketing is something you need to do. You need to be on at least one or two social media sites. Facebook is one of the best, though you may want to join YouTube where you can make videos to promote your gym, show off your classes, and even give fitness tips. Twitter, Instagram, and even Pinterest are also popular social media sites that you may want to try.

If social media marketing is overwhelming, don’t be afraid to hire help.

Not only can it be time-consuming, if you don’t really know what you are doing with social media marketing, you may just be wasting your time (and money)! Hiring someone to help you will be worth it when you see the results that a professional can get you.

Have monthly (or as often as you can) fitness challenges, complete with prizes.

Gyms that offer challenges can really increase membership (or at least participation). By having a 5K, 10K, dance-off, and other fitness challenges can really give a boost to your gym. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the challenges that you can offer.

Marketing is necessary in order to be successful. However, not all of it costs money. A good referral program can really help you grow your gym. You also need to be mobile, with an eye-catching website and social media profiles. Don’t be afraid to hire help so that your money and efforts get the desired effects.

David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030

]]>http://3elementslifestyle.com/gym-marketing-tips/feed/0Having What it Takes to Start Your Own Fitness Businesshttp://3elementslifestyle.com/fitness-enterprise/
http://3elementslifestyle.com/fitness-enterprise/#respondTue, 14 Nov 2017 01:02:23 +0000http://3elementslifestyle.com/?p=4872The modern entrepreneur strives to elevate their new company from a business plan to a self-sustaining enterprise, gaining an incredible amount of experience and reward in the process. It is becoming increasingly popular to own your own business, gaining the prestige and acclaim from being a successful founder, along with all the freedom of the […]

]]>The modern entrepreneur strives to elevate their new company from a business plan to a self-sustaining enterprise, gaining an incredible amount of experience and reward in the process. It is becoming increasingly popular to own your own business, gaining the prestige and acclaim from being a successful founder, along with all the freedom of the self-employed, and it takes an admirable combination of tenacity, adaptability, and skill to guide a startup successfully into a profitable small business. Franchising is by far the most preferred method to bootstrap your way into personal business ownership because it provides you with a business model that has already shown proven success, but you’ll need to be ready to balance your own books, hire the right staff, or manage a crisis. Are you pumped up and ready to take on this incredibly rewarding challenge? Here’s what it takes:

Get Ready To Really Commit

Being the owner of a business is one of the most energy-intensive lifestyles available to a modern human, comparable in stress to air traffic control and requiring a kind of on-demand thinking and perseverance of spirit typically reserved for professional athletes. It’s no surprise that people with high-stress backgrounds tend to thrive in the constantly exciting lifestyle of a Founder. If that sounds like fun to you, then be prepared to deal with an obstacle course of decision making and financial management while simultaneously maintaining world-class communication skills with employees, clients, and business partners. By putting yourself out there and being willing to sweat with the team, you will not only earn yourself success but garner a great deal of respect in the industry and among other entrepreneurs.

Know Your Business, Top to Bottom

The modern business world is lightning fast and hyper-social, so you’ll need to present competence and take charge in your area of expertise to stay competitive. Like any business, you’ll need a certain amount of IT and the ability to judge the quality of service in this department. You’ll also need to factor in taxes, licensing, legal coverage, and employment. Employees and customers alike will count on you to have your act and business model together so they can rock out at their tasks without worrying about all the complicated background business concerns. From paychecks to equipment inspection standards, being the founder of a fitness enterprise puts you in the position to be everyone’s hero when it comes to the company half of everything.

Have an Indomitable Spirit

Without a doubt, the most important trait for successfully running a profitable business is positivity. It’s obvious but needs to be said: If you can’t pull yourself up from a major setback with relative ease, smile, and get back into the game with a new approach then you may want to start as someone’s lead manager before founding your own business. You’ll need to stay upbeat under almost any circumstance for your employees’ sanity as much as your own. Nobody wants to come to work and see the boss slumping their shoulders, looking nervous, or predicting doom. Be ready to rally all the time, and your employees will respond to your confidence by providing their best work. It’s win-win and creates a positivity spiral that will attract customers and money to your business every day.

Organize for Longevity

Organizational skills take a close second place to positivity when successfully running a business. There’s no arguing that profitable businesses run like well-oiled machines. You should find yourself presenting coherent business plans to investors, providing consistency to employees, and creating reliable service for customers. All these things are easiest to do if you can maintain focus and know where your assets are at all times. Financial organization is the most accurate predictor of long-term success for most businesses, so be prepared to keep your books perfectly from day one. Being keenly organized and accurate at the ‘top’ of the business is an unmistakable benefit. If you’re not naturally organized, that’s okay! Portable technology can be an amazing solution, allowing even the most forgetful or habitually late person to effectively manage a large organization, provided they are able to understand and utilize the vast array of technologies available for the purpose.

If you are ready to throw yourself into the rigors of starting a new business, know that nothing can bring you down, and have excellent organizational skills you are ready to start your own business and launch it into a self-sustaining cycle of profits and growth. For ambitious entrepreneurs interested in the fitness industry, 3 Elements Lifestyle offers a streamlined franchise service in which you can easily use our excellent business model to spring-board launch your own successful company. Ready to get started on a fitness enterprise? Contact us today!

David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030

]]>http://3elementslifestyle.com/fitness-enterprise/feed/0Should You Find a Job or Start a Fitness Business?http://3elementslifestyle.com/find-job-start-fitness-business/
http://3elementslifestyle.com/find-job-start-fitness-business/#respondMon, 13 Nov 2017 08:00:05 +0000http://3elementslifestyle.com/?p=4749Before investing the time & money beginning a fitness business, there are some questions that you should ask yourself to see if you have the right mindset.

]]>Today, more and more people are choosing entrepreneurship as a career path. Recently Entrepreneur.com reported that approximately 550,000 individuals become entrepreneurs every month. There are many reasons for this, but the prospect of being your own boss is both exciting and liberating. Therefore, for those who are self-motivated with a strong work ethic, and moderately comfortable with taking risks, owning their own fitness business may be a good choice.

Self-employment and owning a business is not a good fit for everyone. In many instances, at least initially, fitness entrepreneurs will find that they will work longer hours than when they were just an employee. Nevertheless, a person who is patient and persistent can build a successful fitness business which reflects their own personal passion for fitness and health.

While truly exciting, making the transition from an employee to a fitness entrepreneur will mean a change in lifestyle and mindset. So, before investing the time, energy, and money beginning a new fitness business venture, there are some questions that a person should ask themselves. Ultimately, a person needs to take the time to reflect on if they have what it takes to own a fitness business or are they better adapted to being an employee?

Here are several questions that may help a person decide if they have the right mindset:

1. Are you able to begin and complete tasks independently? – Any person who owns any type of business is someone who knows how to and enjoys working independently. They take complete ownership of creating and completing their own work schedule. If fact, initially, there may be long periods working alone without the support of others.

2. Can you establish and accomplish short and long-term goals? – The job of an employee is to accomplish the goals that someone else established. Conversely, a business owner is completely responsible for planning, marketing and overseeing their fitness business. Success will require formulating and implementing a well-designed business plan.

3. Do you have the internal discipline and motivation to work for yourself? – When a person is an employee, their manager or supervisor will set and oversee their work hours and tasks. In order to be a successful entrepreneur, a person must have mastery of time-management and multitasking. A business owner must continuously be self-directed and willing to do what is needed to keep the business moving forward.

4. Do you have good money management skills? – Employees don’t have any of the financial risks for building a strong and profitable business. However, an essential part of beginning a business owner is handling the financial volatility that comes when opening and growing a new fitness business. A new entrepreneur should consider taking business classes and learning new money management skills.

5. Do you know how to measure success? – A successful business owner should almost instinctively know how to set measures of success. Entrepreneurs are responsible for establishing a standard of excellence. Even before beginning your business, it is important to fully envision and understand what success will look like.

6. Are you comfortable being responsible for your own paycheck? – An employer is responsible for the paycheck, benefits and other job-related expenses for their employees. On the other hand, a business owner is responsible their own paycheck, taxes, health insurance, retirement plan, vacation pay, and so on. In order to be an entrepreneur, one must accept the risk of an uncertain paycheck

Today’s article addresses the question, “Should you find a job or start a fitness business?” Conspicuously missing from the discussion was any specific details about the fitness industry itself. This is because the most critical ingredient for success is the business owner. By answering the above questions, a person can gauge whether or not they have the entrepreneurial spirit to even consider starting a business or if they should start job hunting.

What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like help deciding in you should start a fitness business or more information, please contact us.

David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030

]]>http://3elementslifestyle.com/find-job-start-fitness-business/feed/0Why You Should Invest in a Fitness Business Todayhttp://3elementslifestyle.com/invest-fitness-business-today/
http://3elementslifestyle.com/invest-fitness-business-today/#respondMon, 23 Oct 2017 08:00:38 +0000http://3elementslifestyle.com/?p=4721Investing in a fitness business is the way to go for many reasons including that you will never run out of customers and you will improve lives.

]]>The global health and fitness club industry generates roughly $84.3 billion annually, with over 151 million members. In the United States, there are 36,180 health and fitness clubs, and their membership fees represent 60 percent of the industry’s revenue. At the same time, Americans have never been more unfit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 36 percent of adults suffer from obesity, which can lead to many other serious health concerns. So, it is almost odd that anyone would ask, “Why should I invest in a fitness business?”

Ultimately, health and fitness clubs provide a vital service, but the current industry is only touching the tip of the iceberg. Obesity is not only common, it is dangerous and very costly. Obesity-related diseases include things like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and more. Moreover, it is estimated that, in the United States, the annual medical cost associated with obesity is $147 billion annually, and the medical care is $1,429 higher than for people with a normal weight. Starting your own health and fitness business is one of the few ways that you can affect real and positive change.

While not everyone is cut out to become an entrepreneur, if you are feeling the itch of doing your own thing, being your own boss, and taking control of your life, there are few opportunities like starting your own fitness business. Additionally, it is even more beneficial to open a health and fitness franchise compared to going it alone as an independent operation. A franchise gives you the ability to grow your business under an already established health and fitness brand name, which can mean becoming profitable in a shorter time. You get the support you need to hire the right staff, find the best property, and the ability to operate like a branch while existing as an independent operation.

Reasons to Open a Fitness Business

1. The Industry is a Big Tent – The health and fitness industry encapsulates many different types of jobs and businesses. Even when it comes to gyms and clubs, there are many subcategories. There is a place for almost any entrepreneur, whether you want to be a sole proprietor or an enterprise with multiple owners.

2. There is no Shortage of Customers – In the United States alone, people are spending over $25 billion in the health club industry. People are desperately seeking solutions to their weight problem. You can provide them with useful, valuable and realistic solutions, and people are willing to pay good money for that kind of help.

3. Startup Costs Are Relatively Low – For the most part, a fitness organization requires a relatively small investment compared to many other businesses. For a gym or fitness center, you will need a location, some equipment, and a website to promote yourself. Moreover, if you go with the franchise option, you can often get help finding the best prices for the things you need.

4. You Are Improving People’s Lives – If you are someone who really wants to help people, owning a fitness business makes a lot of sense. Obesity is at epidemic proportions and a serious health issue. When you open a fitness business, you are helping people deal with a real problem that can impact their long-term health and life expectancy.

Ultimately, while the health and fitness industry is not one that many entrepreneurs think of first, it is one that they should. The industry is filled with success stories thanks to the high demand for real fitness solutions. Regardless, the obesity rate the United States is expected to reach 50 percent by 2030. There are people out there who really do need help, and you can provide it.

What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about investing in a fitness business, or a related topic, please contact us.

David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030

]]>http://3elementslifestyle.com/invest-fitness-business-today/feed/0Top 2 Reasons Why Entrepreneurship Is Definitely Worth Ithttp://3elementslifestyle.com/entrepreneurship-benefits/
http://3elementslifestyle.com/entrepreneurship-benefits/#respondMon, 23 Oct 2017 04:57:02 +0000http://3elementslifestyle.com/?p=4858Imagine all the benefits you could enjoy from being an entrepreneur. If laying on the sofa in your PJs with a family size bag of chips came to mind when you read that then you may have the wrong idea. Entrepreneurship isn’t about doing what you want when you want, how you want. In fact, especially at […]

]]>Imagine all the benefits you could enjoy from being an entrepreneur.

If laying on the sofa in your PJs with a family size bag of chips came to mind when you read that then you may have the wrong idea. Entrepreneurship isn’t about doing what you want when you want, how you want. In fact, especially at the beginning, it is actually the opposite. Entrepreneurship is about doing what you don’t want (working really hard when you’d rather relax) when you don’t want (sometimes early, sometimes late), and how you don’t want (alone, strapped for capital, balancing life and work).

It’s not that way forever. But real entrepreneurs, not the ones who quit their jobs to do online surveys for 10 cents an hour, but serious professionals, have a lot of hard work in the beginning stages of building their dreams.

But the truth is that it is worth it! Every struggle. Every frustration. Every setback. Being an entrepreneur is one of the best experiences of a lifetime. But wait. What’s so wonderful about the reality of it all we just described above? The truth is that it is that exact reality, the difficulty of the experience, that makes it worth every moment.

In fact, there are 2 reasons why entrepreneurship is worth all the effort. Let’s explore each one together.

1. You Grow in Areas You Didn’t Even Know Existed

When people start new exercise routines, they hurt in muscles they didn’t even know they have. Entrepreneurs launch out into their dreams thinking they are fully prepared. Most of them doing so after reading about some 18-year-old who decided to ditch college at the last minute and is now making $25,000 a month using some app on an iPhone.

Although that does happen occasionally, it’s not the norm. (And although every entrepreneur thinks (s)he will be the “not the norm” scenario, reality usually doesn’t work in their favor.) But that’s a good thing. It’s the first benefit of being an entrepreneur. Because at that point, reality forces you to change – it forces you to grow in areas you didn’t even know you were weak in.

For example, are you disciplined? Are you a good time manager? It’s easy to think so when you have to be at work at 8:00 because your boss will fire you if you don’t. But when you don’t haveto be at work, you getto be at work because you are an entrepreneur, you probably will learn that you aren’t as disciplined as you thought.

Here’s the good news. Your weakness was able to hide behind the banner of average. Many people go to work on time and have a boss making sure they do. Few people, however, go at it alone and take the route of the entrepreneur though. And when you take that road, you realize that you have growing to do in areas that were once hidden.

That’s just one example of many. Ultimately, entrepreneurship will force you to grow. Because if you don’t you will end up back at a job you hate. This road isn’t for the weak or for the easily defeated. It forces you to change. And if you do, you will see tremendous benefits in both your professional and personal life.

2. You Live a Challenge, Every Day

It’s easy to slack when you will get a paycheck at the end of the month regardless of how you perform. But you feel a sense of pressure when you will either get a paycheck or get a loan from a friend to survive that month if based on whether you perform or not. The strain of balancing work and life when you work from home is a consistent challenge. Having to deal with a growing business, growing budgets, more customers, etc. adds more pressure to the mix. And that is the beauty of it all! You don’t go to the same boring activity with the same mediocre pressure. You ride the waves when you become an entrepreneur.

Some days are easier than others. Other days make you wish for those easy ones. But the thrill of living a challenging day in and day out sparks life inside of you every morning. You want to get up and conquer the day. You want to be challenged. Because deep down, you want to succeed. And that is why you are an entrepreneur in the first place!

Final Thoughts

All in all, entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart. It isn’t easy, but it isn’t without its rewards. Entrepreneurs grow in so many ways that the pains of growing pale dim in comparison to the growth that occurs over time. We thrive in life because we are challenged every day. This keeps us both stimulated and motivated.

Real entrepreneurs see benefits, not setbacks. We see growth and challenges as opportunities, not obstacles. And that is why we are entrepreneurs in the first place!

Hearing from you and how we can be a part of your journey would be exciting. Feel free to contact us about how we can join your experience.

David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030

]]>http://3elementslifestyle.com/entrepreneurship-benefits/feed/0The Most Extreme, Bizarre, and Unhealthy Weight Loss Methodshttp://3elementslifestyle.com/unhealthy-weight-loss-methods/
http://3elementslifestyle.com/unhealthy-weight-loss-methods/#respondMon, 09 Oct 2017 07:15:55 +0000http://3elementslifestyle.com/?p=4743There are moments when people seem willing to do anything to lose weight. Yet, they are still wolfing down greasy cheeseburgers and chugging sugary drinks. If you are feeling hopeless, willing to try extreme or bizarre weight loss methods, please take the time to read today’s article. Quick and easy solutions are often reckless and dangerous. There […]

]]>There are moments when people seem willing to do anything to lose weight. Yet, they are still wolfing down greasy cheeseburgers and chugging sugary drinks. If you are feeling hopeless, willing to try extreme or bizarre weight loss methods, please take the time to read today’s article. Quick and easy solutions are often reckless and dangerous.

There are many weight loss methods that are ultimately hazardous to your health. The impact can cause lowering your metabolic rate, the loss of lean muscle, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances. Moreover, while some of these methods can provide short-term weight loss, you risk adding more pounds in the long run. Other unhealthy weight loss methods will have you taking dangerous drugs or supplements. The long-term effects of these substances can damage vital organs.

Here are some of the most extreme, bizarre, and unhealthy weight loss methods that you should avoid.

1. Extreme Fasting

For thousands of years, people have used fasting for a variety of reasons, from weight loss to spiritual awakening. That said, fasting is a method that you can easily overdo. Fasting can cause feelings of anxiety, sleeplessness, loss of fertility, and a long list of hormonal issues. Moreover, a healthy metabolism needs you to eat constantly. Think along the lines of a camp fire. Consistently adding the right amount of fuel will keep the fire burning. However, placing too little or too much wood on the fire can cause it to dwindle. The better method is smaller meals throughout the day.

2. Tapeworm Diets

Can you imagine being able to eat anything you want and still lose weight? There are people who will actually swallow pills containing a tapeworm cyst. The tapeworm will live in the person’s intestine, living on the food consumed by its host. Once the person reaches their goal weight, they can take an anti-parasite drug to kill the tapeworm. Initially, the process sounds pretty easy and convenient. That said, there are many negative health effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, chronic headaches, and even epilepsy. Ultimately, using a tapeworm for weight loss is extremely unhealthy and potentially dangerous.

3. Excessive Endurance Training

If you are spending hours on the treadmill or stationary bike, you may be causing yourself more problems than you solve. The reason for this is because of your body’s ability to adapt and become more efficient. The more you focus on endurance training, the more efficient your body becomes at storing carbohydrates as fuel. This is part of your body’s natural survival mechanism and a response to your endurance training. The real solution here is taking a balanced approach to take a reasonable approach, limiting yourself to workout times, and using a combination of endurance, strength, flexibility, and stability training.

4. Purging

We have all heard the stories of people, most often young women, who resort to purging as a weight loss method. This is not only unhealthy, it is extremely dangerous. Those who practice purging will often develop out of control eating disorders that will require professional help to overcome. The consequences of such a weight loss method is hair loss, body weakness, heart problems, and kidney failure. In the most extreme instances, you can cause organ failure and your body can start shutting down on you. As a society, we need to stop focusing on weight and turn our attention to fitness.

5. Protein-Only Diets

While there are benefits of a high protein diet, turning to a protein-only diet is extreme and unhealthy. By going protein-only, you are not eating a sufficient amount of fiber, causing constipation. In severe cases, there is a risk of decreased liver function. Also, if the protein-only includes large volumes of red meat and dairy, you are creating a higher risk of heart disease. The better option is to cut out simple carbohydrates and sugar and focus on nutrient-dense foods like broccoli and kale.

What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about the most extreme, bizarre, and unhealthy weight loss methods or a related topic, please contact us.

David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030

]]>http://3elementslifestyle.com/unhealthy-weight-loss-methods/feed/0Entrepreneurs Need To Jump Into an Exploding Fitness Industryhttp://3elementslifestyle.com/fitness-industry/
http://3elementslifestyle.com/fitness-industry/#respondMon, 09 Oct 2017 04:18:12 +0000http://3elementslifestyle.com/?p=4853If you came across today’s article, you are likely an entrepreneur seeking information about starting a fitness business. One big question you may have is, “What does the fitness industry look like, and is there room for a fitness start-up to succeed?” Fundamentally, this is how all truly successful entrepreneurs start their journey: they find ways to […]

]]>If you came across today’s article, you are likely an entrepreneur seeking information about starting a fitness business. One big question you may have is, “What does the fitness industry look like, and is there room for a fitness start-up to succeed?” Fundamentally, this is how all truly successful entrepreneurs start their journey: they find ways to provide to an underserved market. As with any investment, you don’t want to enter a market when it is at its peak and ready to burst. You want to invest when there is a real opportunity to grow. The fitness industry provides just that kind of opportunity.

Potential Fitness Industry Growth

The current world population is roughly 7.4 billion people. Of that, nearly 30 percent (or 2.2 billion) is either overweight or obese. Moreover, statistics show a dramatic increase in worldwide deaths associated with weight-related diseases. This data is shocking. However, the worldwide members of fitness clubs include only 162 million individuals.

The reality is, many people around the world are living increasingly sedentary lifestyles. For better or worse, many people now have jobs that do not require a lot of physical labor and provide a lot of extra leisure time, which is often spent in front of a screen. Nevertheless, this lack of activity is taking a toll on people’s health, both physically and mentally, and has created a worldwide obesity epidemic.

Despite all this bad news, the world is at the beginning stages of a physical activity resurgence. People are recognizing the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, and this is why the fitness industry is on the verge of an explosion. So, entrepreneurs who can recognize these trends have an opportunity to feed the demand for a solution.

Savvy Entrepreneurs Will Fill a Gap

In recent years, it seems that many entrepreneurs are creating startups that are actually contributing to the worldwide obesity problem. They are developing technology that will make our lives easier, both at work and at home. While this tech does have a benefit and value, it has also created a situation where a large portion of the worldwide population performs very little physical activity and spends most of their day seated. However, trends are showing that people are on the brink of rebelling against the inactive lifestyle that has gripped the world. Consequently, savvy entrepreneurs are looking to solve this social need.

Starting a fitness business is the way you can help feed the growing demand for fitness activities. Done correctly, a health and fitness club will provide multiple income streams that will include memberships, personal training, nutritional and weight loss supplements, dieting aids, and other products and services. Successful entrepreneurs will maximize each of these revenue streams by simply providing for their client’s personal needs and goals.

At this point in history, the fitness industry is an unstoppable market. In fact, there are very few industries with this kind of growth potential. Fitness businesses will play a critical and vital role improving the overall health and well-being of the world. So, as an entrepreneur who recognizes the trend to become more active, you can create a successful business helping people becoming physically engaged. Similarly, as an entrepreneur seeking to build a successful business within the fitness industry, it is time to put down your smartphone, get off your seat, and start attacking your goals. After all, how can you build a business that promotes people getting active if you are content sitting at a desk?

Do you have questions? What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about why entrepreneurs need to jump into the exploding fitness industry or a related topic, please contact us.

David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030

]]>http://3elementslifestyle.com/fitness-industry/feed/0How a Successful Fitness Trainer Can Start Their Own Gymhttp://3elementslifestyle.com/successful-fitness-trainer-can-start-gym/
http://3elementslifestyle.com/successful-fitness-trainer-can-start-gym/#respondThu, 28 Sep 2017 08:00:06 +0000http://3elementslifestyle.com/?p=4716If you are a successful fitness trainer in your area, you should consider opening your own gym and here is how you can do it.

]]>Are you a successful fitness trainer thinking about starting their own gym? For many fitness trainers, having their own gym is a dream come true. Maybe it is an issue of their boss sapping their profits, or maybe you just want more than what just training can provide. In order for you to turn this dream into a reality, you must face it the same way you face your fitness. You must educate yourself, understand your strengths and weaknesses, create realistic goals, and then just do it.

Successful stregnth trainers share many of the same characteristics of successful gym owners. So, it only makes sense that trainers are drawn to gym ownership. They are focused and driven. They actively listen to their clients and educate them. They care about their customers and their goals. Moreover, they have the leadership skills to motivate and hold accountable themselves and others. So, if you think it is time to give your career an overhaul, are tired of working split-shifts, or are just sick of looking at your clients like they are just a way to pay rent, owning a gym is likely the best choice.

Moreover, now is one of the best times to start your own gym. The economy is back on track, and companies are increasingly adopting corporate wellness programs, with health insurance companies providing added incentives. Even so, that first step is often the scariest. Opening your own gym creates limitless possibilities. Roughly one in six Americans have at least one gym membership, which means that no gym should struggle to find new customers.

Regardless, no one should open a new gym without doing some research and creating a plan. Starting a gym is potentially a great opportunity for prosperous fitness trainers. But, there are many factors you will want to consider before tackling a gym start-up. So here some things to help you get started.

1. Finding a Business Partner – You are going to need start-up capital. So, for many, the choices are either seeking a loan or finding a business partner. That said, there are many different types of business partners. Some are looking for an investment, but don’t actually want to take an active role. Others want a say in every decision. Regardless, if you go this route, make sure your business partner shares your core values and vision.

2. Attracting the Top Trainers in Your Area – As a fitness trainer yourself, you already have an idea how much money gyms make from their fitness trainers. It can take some time to attract great trainers with a significant number of clients. Just like marketing to customers, you will have to market yourself to your area’s top trainers. What makes you different or better than where they are at now?

3. Do You Have the Time Needed? – One of the big benefits of owning your own business is making your own hours and having more time for yourself and your family. However, initially, it will require working longer and harder for little money. This is sometimes easy if you are single, without kids, and have few other responsibilities. You must know you have the time to invest.

4. Will You Have Enough Money to Live? – It will make your life a whole lot easier if you have enough savings to cover your expenses for six months. Every business takes some time to get off the ground, and a gym start-up is no different. However, there are creative solutions to every problem. Regardless, it will make things a whole lot less stressful if you are not worried about things like food and rent.

5. Ensure You Have Multiple Revenue Streams – Successful gyms do not grow focused only on memberships. Consider adding other revenue streams that will help boost your income. This can include things like selling fitness clothing, home exercise equipment, and health supplements. You can even add an e-commerce section to your gym‘s website to allow online ordering.

What haven’t we covered yet that is important to you? If you would like to talk about how a successful personal trainer can start their own business or a related topic, please contact us.

David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030